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Thoughts on This July 4th

Two years ago, I shared this op-ed piece on the morality of patriotism by Gary Gutting from the New York Times. In the light of many events over the intervening two years, I think it is worth reading again. We continue to struggle as a country with our founding ideals, that America is founded on the principles of freedom, allowing all “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Are we a perfect country? No, in my estimation, we are not yet there. We seem to have become a nation polarized and intolerant of differences, entirely disregarding the opinions of those that disagree with us. Rather than seeking common ground to build upon, we demonize and seek to destroy those that don’t accept our own views without question.

On this 239th celebration of our Declaration of Independence, I fear we are farther from our ideal selves, both as individuals and as a country, than we ever have been. Please think about these things during your celebrations.